GoMRI Science Featured at the Bush Presidential Library and Museum Exhibit

– June 9, 2014

(Click to enlarge) Some of GISR-related research on display at the Bush Library: standing is 1/4 scale replica of an automated monitoring buoy; mounted on the wall is a full-sized ocean glider, GISR Driftcards and bookmarks with an interactive map of the Gulf of Mexico to view their dispersion; and an interactive “Make Your Own Oil Spill” visualization. (Photo courtesy of Bush Library)

At Texas A&M University, a new interactive exhibit “Offshore Drilling: The Promise of Discovery” opened to the public in March and features, among many examples of equipment and history from the industry, the oil spill research of the Gulf of Mexico Integrated Spill Response (GISR) consortium, a Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative (GoMRI) funded project.

GISR contributions include a 1/4 scale replica of an automated monitoring buoy linked to the Texas Automated Buoy System real-time data display, the GISR Driftcard Program linked to an interactive map of the Gulf of Mexico, a full-sized ocean glider from Teledyne, an ocean core showing evidence of a natural oil seep, a demonstration of oil viscosity using several grades of crude oil in glass tubes, and GISR bookmarks.

Scientists with GISR – Ruoying He (North Carolina State University) and Oliver Fringer (Stanford University) – along with graphics and animation expert Gene Cooper developed a colorful and interactive “Make Your Own Oil Spill” visualization which is displayed on a flat touch screen monitor. Visitors can “drop” the oil by tapping on the screen and the program traces its trajectory using different mapping options like bathymetry and coastlines.

The exhibit allows visitors to learn about the history, pioneers, and technological advances of the offshore drilling industry – including emerging technologies and ongoing research at Texas A&M University – and will remain on display through February 2015. Industry experts and guest speakers will highlight various aspects of offshore drilling at monthly issues forums at the library and museum.

************This research was made possible in part by a grant from BP/The Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative (GoMRI) to the Gulf of Mexico Integrated Spill Response (GISR) consortium. The GoMRI is a 10-year independent research program established to study the effect, and the potential associated impact, of hydrocarbon releases on the environment and public health, as well as to develop improved spill mitigation, oil detection, characterization and remediation technologies. An independent and academic 20-member Research Board makes the funding and research direction decisions to ensure the intellectual quality, effectiveness and academic independence of the GoMRI research. All research data, findings and publications will be made publicly available. The program was established through a $500 million financial commitment from BP. For more information, visit http://gulfresearchinitiative.org/.